Reviews
It's Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race by Mariam Khan
metamorfosa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
l1ndz7's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
This is such an important read. I listened to this on audio and LOVED that each essay was read by the writer. A beautiful collection of essays about Muslim women’s identities. How the patriarchy dictates culture and therefore controls women. Islam isn’t the problem. Islam loves and respects women. Men in their culture don’t. Each essay talked about a different issue. They were all diverse Muslim women. It was such a fascinating read
misspalah's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
“Hijab has served me well. At times, it has covered my scars, allowing me to wear long-sleeved tops without anyone questioning what was hidden underneath. Other times, it has served to cover my earphones while I avoided listening to teachers drone on in class. Sometimes, very rarely, it has kept my head warm during cold winters. My hijab gave me a way to act, a code of conduct: smile courteously at strangers, open doors for people, help the elderly carry their shopping, and politely decline drugs/alcohol/male interaction as they are ‘not allowed in Islam’. My hijab was my armour, something for me to fiddle with when people asked me uncomfortable questions. It would allow me to look down and cover the acne growing on my forehead when someone attractive walked by. At times when I was tired or frustrated, I would untie and retie my hijab. Now, I do so with my hair. It’s not the same.”
- “Hijabi (R)evolution” by Afshan D’souza-Lodhi : It's Not About the Burqa by Mariam Khan
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‘Its not about the Burqa’ challenged readers , both muslims and non-muslims to stop viewing Muslim Women in the Monolith lens. You cannot painted us all the same based on what western media have done by labelling us as submissive and do not want to progress. 17 essays ranges from variety of issues that affecting and implicating muslim women directly or indirectly were compiled in the book. While i may not agree with some of the remarks by some authors in this book but as a whole compilation, this is pretty solid and groundbreaking analysis. There are 2 essays that talked about commodification of Hijab and how westerners integrated it as high fashion but at the same time, forcing muslim women to accept this as part (of what i can called a lukewarm attempt) of representation is insanely good. I honestly learned a-lot and was surprised that i didn’t even catch that nuances in the first place. Many of the Hijabi Models were being corporatised in order to manipulate the muslim consumers. There is one essay that talked about mental health in the Muslim community and how those who have it were always being questioned and shamed for not practicing their faith properly. They undermined the pain of those who’ve it and failed to demonstrate their role as part of the ummah is to help their brothers and sisters in need. Another essay that mentioned about divorce in Islam and how the stigma followed the divorcee. The author further analysed how many muslim women were being brainwashed by their rigid culture of staying in unhappy marriage rather than seeking divorce despite Islam has made it clear that women can ask for it if the marriage is not working out. The only misleading thing i encountered about this book is it didn’t mentioned that the essays are mostly from Muslim Women in UK and if i’m not mistaken, only one writer from Australia. Being in the UK, most muslim women were from South Asian Countries - Pakistan and India. Sure , the book did have more than 1 writer to from African and Middle eastern countries but the experience on these essays largely from South Asian Households which religion and culture were woven intricately but often, culture preceded first. I appreciate some of the honesty by some of these writers - some were quite vocal in defending their faith, some made a mockery out of their haters and trolls, some simply were asking for re-education and adopting solutions that fits best with Britain Society. I also applaud that the editor try to diversify these essays from different authors based on how they reflect their relationship with Islam - whether they are devout , struggling to hold on to their faith or boldly admitted they are not practicing but still carrying on the muslim identity. As for the title - i actually a bit disappointed there’s no essay that carrying the main title but why it was named ‘Its not about the Burqa’ is just a clever hand back to the most of the western medias that always centralised their arguments on muslim women rights and privileges to their attire / hijab or Burqa which is oppressive and backward for them. Overall, this has been enlightening journey in understanding how muslim women in UK navigating their space in the society while remain unapologetically about their faith and modesty.
nahlabooks's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting and education ! Everyone should read this book ! Deeply empowering to hear about so many women’s stories and vision of today’s society.